This Hot Seat Option Removed On GM’s Chevy, GMC Trucks Amid Chip Shortage

As the semiconductor chip shortage continues to impact the auto industry, General Motors (GM) has taken steps to eliminate a key feature in its 2022 model year vehicles starting on Monday.

The automaker will stop offering heated and ventilated seats as standard or optional equipment on some vehicles in addition to heated steering wheels on some models, the Detroit News said. The elimination of the accessory feature is temporary as the chip shortage causes a disruption for GM, Automotive News first reported.

GM trucks affected by the chip shortage include the Chevy Colorado, Blazer, and Silverado, GMC Canyon, Terrain, and Sierra, while the luxury Silverado and Traverse High Country and GMC Sierra and Acadia Denali will continue to offer the features, according to Fox News.

Some SUV models within GM’s lineup will also not be outfitted with the heated accessories, Fox News noted.

This is not the first time that GM has had to work around the part shortage.

In March, GM said that some of its Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickup trucks would be built without a fuel management module, which improves fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon, CNN reported at the time.

GM issued a statement obtained by the Detroit News about its decision.

“Our teams are exploring ways to potentially retrofit vehicles with some of these features once parts become available. We will provide additional updates when available," the statement reads.

“Although the situation remains complex and very fluid, we remain confident in our team’s ability to continue finding creative solutions to minimize the impact of the semiconductor shortages that have been impacting the industry.”

GM has previously shut down production at some of its North American plants and reduced options schedules due to the chip disruption, but has now resumed operation at most of its facilities.

The full list of vehicles affected by the chip shortage, according to tbe Detroit News, include:

Vehicles With Heated And Ventilated Seat Features Eliminated

Chevrolet

• Malibu: LT, Premier
• Trailblazer: LT, ACTIV, RS
• Blazer: LT, RS, Premier
• Equinox: LT, RS, Premier
• Traverse: 1LT, 3LT, RS, Premier, High Country (rear heat only)
• Colorado: LT, Z71, ZR2
• Silverado 1500: LT, RST, LT Trailboss, LTZ
• Silverado 2500/3500: LT, LTZ

GMC

• Canyon: Elevation, AT4, Denali
• Terrain: SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali
• Acadia: SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali (rear heat only)
• Sierra 1500 Limited: SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4
• Sierra 2500/3500: SLE, SLT, AT4

Buick

• Encore GX: Preferred, Select, Essence
• Envision: Preferred, Essence, Avenir
• Enclave: Premium, Avenir (rear heat only)

Cadillac

• XT4: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport
• XT5: Luxury, Premium, Sport (rear heat only)
• XT6: Luxury, Premium, Sport (rear heat only)

Vehicles With Heated Steering Wheel Feature Eliminated

Chevrolet

• Bolt EV: 1LT, 2LT
• Bolt EUV: LT, Premier
• Blazer: RS, Premier
• Traverse: 3LT, RS, Premier
• Trailblazer: LT, ACTIV, RS
• Silverado 1500 LTD: LT, RST, LT Trailboss, LTZ
• Silverado 2500/3500 HD: LT, LTZ
• Suburban and Tahoe: LT, RST, Z71, Premier

GMC

• Acadia: SLE, SLT, AT4
• Sierra 1500 Limited: SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4
• Sierra 2500/3500: SLE,SLT, AT4
• Yukon and Yukon XL: SLT, AT4

Buick

• Encore GX: Essence
• Envision: Essence, Avenir
• Enclave: Essence, Premium

Cadillac

• CT4 and CT5: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, V-Series
• XT4: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport
• XT5 and XT6: Luxury, Premium without JSE Platinum Package, Sport without JSE Platinum Package

As of Monday at 1:09 p.m. ET, shares of GM were trading at $63.20, down 20 cents, or 0.32%.